Do We Really Understand Quantum Mechanics?

Quantum mechanics is a very successful theory that has impacted on many areas of physics, from pure theory to applications. However, it is difficult to interpret, and philosophical contradictions and counterintuitive results are apparent at a fundamental level. In this book, Laloë presents our current understanding of the theory. The book explores the basic questions and difficulties that arise with the theory of quantum mechanics. It examines the various interpretations that have been proposed, describing and comparing them and discussing their success and difficulties. The book is ideal for researchers in physics and mathematics who want to know more about the problems faced in quantum mechanics but who do not have specialist knowledge in the subject. It will also interest philosophers of science, as well as all scientists who are curious about quantum physics and its peculiarities.

Introduction; 1. Historical perspective; 2. Present situation, remaining conceptual difficulties; 3. The theorem of Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen; 4. Bell theorem; 5. More theorems; 6. Quantum entanglement; 7. Applications of quantum entanglement; 8. Quantum measurement; 9. Experiments, quantum reduction seen in real time; 10. Various interpretations; Conclusion; Appendices; Index.

Franck Laloë is a Researcher at the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and belongs to the Laboratoire Kastler Brossel at the Ecole Normale Supérieure. He is co-author of Quantum Mechanics, with Claude Cohen-Tannoudji and Bernard Diu, one of the best known textbooks on advanced quantum mechanics.